BLOOMINGTON, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pilot leaders of Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation (AWAC) will no
longer support or participate in the airline’s Aviation Safety Action
Program (ASAP) effective April 7. Representatives for the pilots’ union
made this difficult decision following recent actions by the AWAC flight
department, which interfered with the conduct and integrity of the
program. The goal of the ASAP is to enhance aviation safety through the
prevention of accidents and incidents by using reports voluntarily
submitted by pilots in a pro-active, non-punitive environment.

“The ARW MEC believes that
management’s refusal to follow the processes outlined in the program
that lead to safety enhancements indicates the company does not value
the program.”

“The recent actions by Air Wisconsin management to circumvent the
program have led the Air Wisconsin pilots to question the integrity of
the company’s ASAP program and its commitment to the employees of the
company and the traveling public,” said Capt. Joe Ellis, chairman of the
Air Wisconsin Master Executive Council (MEC). “The ARW MEC believes that
management’s refusal to follow the processes outlined in the program
that lead to safety enhancements indicates the company does not value
the program.

“This decision was not taken lightly, and after extensive research and
discussion, the MEC decided that withdrawal was the only appropriate
option at this time. While this is a situation we have worked hard to
avoid, we will work equally hard to rebuild the program and reinstate a
stronger ASAP program that will provide real safety benefits to our
pilots, coworkers, and passengers,” Ellis continued.

The ASAP program encourages air carrier employees to voluntarily report
safety information that may be critical to identifying potential
precursors to accidents. These reports are made in a non-punitive
environment that protects employees who voluntarily submit reports.

The goal of the ASAP is to enhance aviation safety through the
prevention of accidents and incidents. Its focus is to encourage
voluntary reporting of safety issues and events that come to the
attention of employees of certain certificate holders.

ASAP is based on a safety partnership that includes the FAA and Air
Wisconsin, and must include any third party such as the employee's labor
organization.

Founded in 1931, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l is the world's
largest pilot union, representing nearly 53,000 pilots at 38 airlines in
the United States and Canada. The Air Wisconsin pilot's 12-man MEC
represents the 665 pilots at Air Wisconsin.